Leighton is a name of English origin that has gained popularity in recent years. It is derived from the Old English word "leah-tun," which translates to "farmstead or clearing in the woods." The name Leighton is often associated with places in England, such as Leighton Buzzard and Leighton Halzead.
The name Leighton was first used as a given name during the mid-20th century. Before this time, it was typically used as a surname. One of the earliest known uses of Leighton as a given name is in 1947, when it was given to a character in the novel "The Sun Also Rises" by Ernest Hemingway.
Today, Leighton is used as both a male and female given name. In recent years, it has become increasingly popular for girls, likely due to its association with celebrities such as actress Leighton Meester and singer Leona Lewis. However, historically, Leighton was more commonly used as a boy's name.
Overall, the name Leighton is of English origin and translates to "farmstead or clearing in the woods." It has gained popularity in recent years, particularly for girls, but it was first used as a given name during the mid-20th century.
"Leighton has seen a significant rise in popularity over the decades, with a steady increase from the mid-90s to peak recently, reaching 850 births in 2023."